I don’t know how it happens, exactly. I can’t explain it. Sometimes, I’m just sitting around and am compelled to search for an incredibly random topic on YouTube or Wikipedia.

This morning, it happened again. Something in my head told me I needed to search for clips from the 1980 feature film Popeye starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall.

Popeye isn’t some great classic from my childhood or anything. It’s one of those movies I know I’ve seen just enough of on TV to get an image in my head, but nothing more. Well, the clip I came across has me determined to track down the movie and watch it.

Good luck getting that catchy ditty out of your head.

Wait, what?! Popeye is a musical? How did I not know this? I don’t like musicals and I never cared much for the sailor man himself, but something about the combination of musicals and Popeye really appeals to me.

In true Internet geek fashion, I already found some interesting trivia through the magic of Google searching. The soundtrack was universally panned, including one critic of the movie who called the tunes “alleged songs”. Interestingly enough, the songs were written by Harry Nilsson. Turns out, it was one of his final projects, though. Ouch.

The main setting for the movie was constructed on an island in the Mediterranean sea. Despite the movie being a flop, the set lives on as a popular museum and amusement park called Popeye Village. If you’re ever planning to stop by, be sure to check out the “Jerry Spinjer” show at the park. Members of the audience have to question two volunteer bodyguards to discover an old secret of Popeye Village.

Yeah, I need to see this movie.

Update: Leave it to K-Mart not to disappoint. I knew Popeye seemed exactly like the kind of movie that would be in their discount bin. For only a few measly dollars, I am now the proud owner of Popeye (spinach can edition) on DVD. …yay?

So, was it worth seeing? If you want to see clips like the one below, then yes.

About five minutes before the movie ending, I asked myself “Is there a plot?”

3 Comments

I was a huge fan of Popeye (the cartoon) as a kid. I even dressed up as the spinach-loving sailor on Halloween. But, when I eventually saw the movie, I was totally confused. What was THIS? Watching that clip, I’m still perplexed by the obscurity.

I am happy to relive that feeling this morning 🙂 Thank you!

Also hoping you review the movie. I haven’t seen it since the days of being a kid.